Monday, July 27, 2015

Iron Horse 512 Is Home Base for the Top 10 Summer Activities in the Village

Wake up as the sun shines into one of the 4 bedrooms that overlook the Village and base of Northstar mountain. Enjoy the warm tile on your feet as you brush your teeth and step into the shower. Ready for coffee? Starbucks is steps away brewing your favorite cappuccino. What does the day have in store? Here's our "Top 10" favorite activities with Iron Horse 512 Northstar as your home base.

A fast paced mountain bike ride at the Northstar's mountain bike park. Bike rentals are downstairs and trails wind down right to your door.

Fly fishing at Sawmill Lake or a nature hike with a little help from the Vista Express chairlift to start the day off on a higher level.Gondola access to the mountain is a 3 minute walk and easy to navigate trail maps are readily available.

For more adventure, a quick 15 minute drive will have you paddling the crystal blue water on Lake Tahoe. Waterman’s Landing will have you set up and in the water, no hassle, no fuss.

Enjoy a spa treatment at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe which is a 8 minute scenic gondola ride away or stroll into the Balance Health Spa in the heart of the Village and sink into bliss for a few hours.

Lunch in the Village is easy with Rubicon pizza/italian fare or get a grab and go sandwich at Earthly Delights to enjoy in the comfort of your own living room or sunny deck.

For a workout or a relaxing steam, head to the Village Swim and Fitness center which is a 2 minute walk from your door.

For a spontaneous tee time, Northstar golf course is a 5 minute drive and offers amazing Martis Valley views with a full service golf shop and restaurant.

A kids play land awaits daily with mini golf throughout the Village, Build a Bear, Make a Candle, roller skating, bungee trampoline, rock climbing wall, and gold panning. No need to even get in the car.

Gather around the ice rink for live music on the Village stage or have a private party on your patio as you watch from your perch above it all.

Dinner options are endless with Mexican at Taco Jalisco (a real local’s favorite), burgers at Chocolate Bar or sushi at the legendary Mikuni’s.

Monday, July 20, 2015

For a truly unique dinner experience, "Dinner in the Barn" is worth the trip out to Sierraville. For over 12 years, Gary Ramano of Sierra Valley Farms has been hosting farm to table dinners on location at his farm. Four nights each summer some of the area’s most popular chefs take their skills out to the source and join the farm in hosting this unforgettable experience.

Last weekend, I was lucky enough to be a guest at Gary's farm and was treated to food made by Chef Tommy Linnett from Campo – Reno.

The drive out to the farm was beautiful with miles of open range as far as I could see. We pulled up to Sierra Valley Farms where a historic old barn built in 1936 is the centerpiece. We found a glass of wine, shook hands with Gary (the owner) and mingled with friends and also met some new people. Live music enhanced the ambiance in and out of the barn. We were even joined by three owls who were nestled on the rafters at the top of the barn.

While we were waiting for dinner it started to pour rain. We all took cover in the barn and enjoyed the stories Gary told us about the long history of the farm and his family. When it was time for dinner, everyone sat down together family style at one huge table set for 65. The views out to the fields and the Sierra Valley were breathtaking. First course was a cold peach soup with goat cheese and cucumbers. Delicious! Then we took a break as the chefs came in to tell us about how they went out on the farm with Gary hours earlier and picked most of the ingredients for out dinner and what we had to look forward to for the next 3 courses. Kale salad with cornbread, fresh picked squash succotash, potatoes, chicken, halibut, bread and a sinful desert with fresh peach and a crunchy cookie for garnish.

We didn't want the night to end but finally made our way out of the barn in time to appreciate an amazing sunset. Overall, it was a magical experience. The next "Dinner in the Barn" is August 8th featuring a beloved local chef, Billy McCullough, former chef/owner of Dragonfly Restaurant in Truckee. McCullough’s unique flair is sure to make for another enchanting evening.Click here for more information.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Golf fans are excited that the 26th Annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship is at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course this weekend. In addition, scores of star-struck fans are seeing their favorite celebrities up close and enjoying many fun events that last through the weekend. Pro and Olympic athletes, actors, singers, models and radio stars all have come together once again this week/weekend to play some golf, have fun, shake hands and sign autographs.

A main staple of the tournament, Charles Barkley will undoubtedly continue to entertain the crowds. A face everyone will recognize is singer, songwriter and actor Justin Timberlake. In addition, Olympic gold medalist skier Bode Miller, NFL hall of famer Jerry Rice and former MLB all-star pitcher Roger Clemens will all be there. These are just a few of the 95 big names that will be out on the course.

After practicing all week, the 3 day tournament starts Friday and lasts through Sunday. The tournament is a 54-hole modified Stableford play with plenty of spectating opportunities. With more than 40,000 people expected to line the fairways this will be the place to see and be seen this weekend in Tahoe. Click here for all the details.

Monday, July 6, 2015

Since 1973, the Truckee Tahoe Airport has been bringing an all-star crew to put on a crowd pleasing air show for locals and visitors each year (with a 16 year hiatus between 1996 and 2012). Now in its fourth year back, it is a FREE event and fun for the whole family.

This Saturday only from 9am – 4pm, the skies above Truckee will come alive with planes swirling and soaring through the air. Families, plane buffs and many others can gather out on the runways and enjoy the show.

I’m especially looking forward to seeing Spencer Suderman spin his plane. In 2014 he made a Guinness World Record for inverted flat spins with 81 turns; this year he is shooting for 100+ turns!

With plenty of planes on display and some with the cockpits open for viewing there’s plenty to see and explore on the ground as well. There is also a Family Festival that includes games, face painting and puppet shows. Don't miss this day of fun for all!

A year ago, the average price of real estate in the Tahoe-Truckee region far outpaced the median price in a year that saw strong overall growth. This dynamic was driven by an exceptional sales volume in the luxury segment, largely within the many new luxury resort communities in the greater Truckee / Martis Valley region. These communities have tremendous appeal to the demographic of young, active families seeking quality experiences in the mountains of Lake Tahoe.

Throughout the first half of 2015, this story has inverted based upon factors outside of simple supply and demand. Median price has held steady while the total number of real estate sales have increased by nearly 10% compared to the same time in the prior year. However the average price has dipped along with the total dollar volume, indicative of a short-term decline in activity within the same luxury segment. A lackluster winter is the culprit, as winter visitation suffered due to less-than-ideal ski conditions.

Conversely, sales in primary home neighborhoods throughout the region have been stellar year-to-date. This is a fantastic beacon for the overall region as it indicates upward mobility for full-time residents driven by the surge of activity in new construction and resort / service positions.

With a soaring economy in our Northern California feeder market, purchase decisions have simply been deferred. As we start the summer shopping season, a cycle far less dependent upon weather variables, we anticipate seeing a surge of activity that ultimately accelerates volume and values well beyond last year.

Looking at a 10-year model, we see that the total number of sales will increase by 35% or more in the second half of the year.

With summer rental occupancy up by 21% year-over-year, it is easy to forecast a busy summer showing real estate.

Certain communities have carried momentum from previous years forward. Martis Camp continues to drive the upper-echelon of the market and is now over 90% sold out. Home values continue to solidify around $1,000 per square foot while land commands values upward of $1,000,000.

Lahontan has found its stride once more with over $20,000,000 in total sales already for 2015. Rounding out the neighborhood is Schaffer’s Mill, which continues to find a strong niche in this exclusive area.

Gray’s Crossing is fast catching up to these other luxury communities with new construction starting daily and 15 land sales already year-to-date. As new homes continue to get absorbed quickly after completion, the incentive for builders to invest in this community will only grow.

The fundamental values that drive homeownership in our region remain unwavering. The opportunity to spend time with family and friends in a setting that promotes wellbeing and relaxation will never go out of style.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Saturday is the 4th of July and the best way to celebrate Independence Day is in a small town. Truckee puts on a full display of quintessential Americana events. Wake up early and start your day off right by heading down to Truckee fire station #92 and fill up on a delicious pancake breakfast with fellow community members. Breakfast is served from 7am to 10am. If you want to burn off some of those pancakes or just test your speed against some of the best in town, enter the Firecracker Mile race. This 1 mile downhill race starts at 9:45 from the Gateway center on Donner Pass Road, follows the parade route and ends in downtown Truckee in front of the parade judging stand. Click here to sign up early.

From the finish line you can pick a spot along the parade route that travels down Donner Pass Road from Tahoe-Truckee High School ending in Historic Downtown Truckee. Parade starts at 10am and is usually over around noon. This year’s theme is “Live-Work-Play TRUCKEE” and will celebrate everyone in our community that enjoys life in the mountains every day or when visiting. Don’t miss the fire engines, old cars, hometown floats, marching bands, dancing, bike riding, equestrian groups and so much more in-between. What’s next?… Beach time! The shores of Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake will be packed with kids, family, friends, food, drinks and plenty of fun. With temperatures predicted to be in the 80’s, you can’t go wrong with some fun in the sun and water.

Come nighttime, bring a blanket, lay back and get ready for the firework show! Depending on what beach you end up at, there are a few firework shows to choose from. Below is an outline of locations so you can be sure to get the best spot! Kings BeachJuly 3rd Fireworks & Beach PartyFriday, July 3rd4pm – 10pm A great option for those who want to see 2 nights of fireworks or want to skip the Fourth of July rush and celebrate early! Tahoe City, Commons BeachTahoe City’s 70th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Show & Beach BashSaturday, July 4th11am – 10pm This is the place to be on Lake Tahoe. Fireworks can also be seen at other nearby beaches or by boat. Truckee, Donner LakeFourth of July at West End BeachSaturday, July 4th12pm – 10:30pm Many options for firework viewing. These fireworks can be seen from any point on the Donner Lake shore or from above at Donner Summit or looking down over the edge from Tahoe Donner.